Who is responsible for enacting statutes?

The responsibility for enacting statutes lies primarily with the Legislature. In the context of Maryland, the Legislature, which consists of the Maryland State Senate and the House of Delegates, is tasked with proposing, debating, and voting on bills that can become law once signed by the Governor. This bicameral structure ensures that legislation reflects the collective decision-making of elected representatives.

Statutes represent the formal laws that govern the state, and their enactment requires a rigorous process that includes drafting, committee reviews, and votes. This legislative authority is foundational to the checks and balances within the state government, distinguishing the role of lawmakers from that of other entities such as administrative agencies, which implement regulations based on the statutes, or the Governor, who may sign or veto proposed laws but does not create them.

Understanding the distinction between these roles is crucial for grasping how laws are made and implemented within Maryland's legal framework.